'I used Manuka Honey for my hay fever and my eyes and throat thanked me'

North Wales Live

2 days ago

A blocked nose, headache and itchy eyes that swell in the morning - like millions of Brits - I grapple with these hay fever symptoms during spring and summer. To see if I could alleviate my symptoms, I decided to put the Manuka honey theory to the test.
Touted as a solution to 'help combat allergies and hay fever', Manuka honey is being investigated as a potential remedy for symptoms. While it's not a direct cure, this natural product is packed with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which are believed to assist sufferers with their symptoms.
But how much relief does it truly provide? Intrigued by the increasing interest, I decided to give it a go myself. I took a teaspoon of Manuka Doctor MGO honey every morning for 11 days - and I've been taken aback by some of the relief I've experienced.
Currently offering a discount in its 'summer wellness sale', Manuka Doctor has slashed its honey price by up to 65 percent. For those like me seeking to alleviate their symptoms, this is an opportunity to get it at a reduced price, reports the Mirror.
I sampled three different strengths of honey - a simple multifloral of 70 MGO, a premium quality 540 MGO honey and a 1000 MGO Max Strength honey. Currently on offer, the 55 MGO honey has been marked down from £34 to £11.60.
For maximum strength and an enhanced chance to alleviate symptoms, the higher 640 MGO Manuka honey is now available for £40.60, down from its usual price of £116. Manuka Doctor also offers Allergy Relief Supplements at a much more affordable price - £6.30 for 30 capsules.
While I haven't personally tried these, they could serve as an alternative for those who aren't fond of honey but still wish to reap its benefits.
The honey brand I used: Manuka Doctor
Sourced in New Zealand, their bee hives undergo lab testing to ensure they meet standards and are certified for hive-to-home use. The brand reportedly has the backing of experts, including health professionals and doctors, such as ITV's Dr Hilary Jones MBE.
A crucial component of this is MGO -- or methylglyoxal. Without delving too deeply into scientific jargon, this molecule plays a key role in aiding the body's natural healing process and regulating its immune response.
Of course, it's not the only brand on the market. Holland and Barrett offer 70 MGO honey for £22.49, while LookFantastic also provides a 'Manuka Honey Blend' with 30+ MGO for £9.50.
Four ways I incorporated Manuka Honey into my daily diet
Each morning, I consumed a teaspoon of the strongest 1000 MGO honey, ensuring consistency and maintaining the same strength each day. However, I did incorporate additional doses with my meals.
My next favourite method of consumption was at breakfast, either drizzled over a yoghurt bowl or blended into a smoothie. The latter proved an easy way to disguise the taste for those less keen on the flavour.
Incorporating it into my meals was a breeze. I simply added a teaspoon of honey to homemade salad dressings three or four times.
For those who enjoy cooking, it could also be used in a meat marinade. One dish I particularly enjoyed was halloumi hot honey, to which I just added some chilli flakes.
How long did it take for the hay fever relief to begin?
At the time of writing, I've been consuming Manuka honey for 11 consecutive days. I began on July 13 and have consistently taken a spoonful of honey each morning (sometimes straight, other times mixed into my breakfast or morning brew).
By the eighth day, I could confidently say that I'd experienced some alleviation in my hay fever symptoms, with less itching in my eyes and fewer sneezes. The most noticeable improvement, which began around day three, was with my throat.
Hay fever often leaves me with a dry and inflamed throat, but trialling the manuka honey has certainly helped. In addition to its high MGO content, I believe this is likely due to the simple fact that honey is soothing, and even shop-bought honey is a popular remedy for colds - like hot honey and lemon tea.
Is Manuka Honey enough to help ease Hay fever symptoms?
After 11 days, I've noticed a significant reduction in my symptoms. Primarily, the absence of a blocked nose, itchy eyes, and sore throat. All of which have nearly vanished.
However, it hasn't alleviated the skin symptoms I experience with hay fever - namely, puffiness around the eyes and rashes. I also found that the taste of stronger MGO honey is quite different from the overly sweet supermarket honey I'm accustomed to - it took some getting used to.
I hasten to add that Manuka honey shouldn't be viewed as a straight cure, but rather as something to try in order to alleviate symptoms. In the future, I plan to take an antihistamine daily for relief - such as Allevia, which can be purchased on Amazon for £7.59 (please consult your doctor first).